Last Tuesday was a busy evening for the Winnfield City Council: members heard an electric utility rate presentation, recognized two longtime Winnfield contributors, and approved water treatment upgrades and funding for jail repairs.
Rick Nowlin from Delta Consulting detailed a study of the electric system’s finances, offering a data-driven analysis of performance, spending, and long-term trends to aid the council in establishing rates that cover costs without negatively impacting customers. “Our job is to find the true cost to run the system and help the city set rates that are fair and sustainable for Winnfield,” he said.
Nowlin will present residential and commercial rate options with plain numbers showing how a typical home or small business bill could change, identify efficiency steps to help hold costs down, and ensure every proposal reflects the city’s duty to its ratepayers by balancing system needs with what customers can afford. With timely records from the council and the Legislative Auditor, Nowlin could produce the review results before the end of this year.
The council honored Etoy Ashely and Dr. Bill Gaddis with Hammy Awards, thanking them for their years of commitment and selfless community works. “The Hammy honors people who go above and beyond for Winnfield,” Mayor Gerald Hamms said. “Mr. Ashely’s 52 years with the school system and Dr. Gaddis’s 49 years in practice speak for themselves. We’re grateful for their steady service to our families.”
Members modified ordinance 11.5 and listened to Jennifer Loftin, a representative of the Historical Preservation Commission, discuss the possibility of expanding the commission’s map to include more important structures that could lead to a boost in future tourism and revitalize the community. Starla Triplett Jones informed members the Pinecrest Collaborative has obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status since last month’s presentation and will continue pursuing restoration of the campus.
District 6 Winn Parish Police Juror Author Robinson asked the council to address limb pickup on Horseshoe Road (between Welder Road and Cole Road) noting the culvert there has remained congested and continues to cause flooding.
In other action, Matthew Harrell was approved for full time duty for the Fire Department. The property at 406 Holmes St was removed from the condemnation list after the owners made improvements. The council approved a resolution for a $250,000 appropriation for jail repairs and authorized Mayor Hamms to apply for a loan to fund improvements to the city’s water treatment system.
